LEADING THE TEAM

One moment she is seen in an apron, shoes and hat, climbing a ladder to check whether the machineries are working right, the next moment she is seen supervising a team of male workers in the manufacturing wing. This week we bring you the success tale of Farah Zabeen, the Area Manager of Secondary Manufacturing Department, British American Tobacco. For her outstanding contribution as a leader in her team and her courage to face challenges, Bangladesh Brand Forum recently honored her with the "Progressive Women Leader" award. 

Soon after completing her BSC in Mechanical Engineering from BUET, Farah joined the manufacturing wing as the first female leader of the British American Tobacco (BAT) in 2005. 

"Working as the first female staff in a factory dominated by male workers was a huge challenge for me," Farah recalls. "One of the difficulties that I faced during my initial days was to convince the workers that a woman too can be an engineer and a leader." 

However nothing could hold her back.  Farah's towering confidence and passion have helped her cross the long journey as Assistant Quality Services Manager, Quality Manager to Area Manager.  A mother of two children, Farah also makes sure that she maintains a good balance between her professional and family life. "My company has always inspired me to take risks and my family has been a great support all the way," she continues. "However, to excel in your job, it's also very important to recognise your inner strength and passion. Because I believe there is no job that we can call a 'man's job'!"